South West Water is urging businesses not to steal water from its public supply network or they could run the risk of prosecution. A standpipe hire service is available instead.

The advice follows the successful prosecution of an Exeter company, Sam Gilpin Demolition Ltd,at Bodmin Magistrates’ Court on 14 September 2017. The firm pleaded guilty to the illegal use of a hydrant at Rhubarb Hill, Newquay, on 28 February 2017.

Bob Taylor, South West Water’s Operations Director for Drinking Water Services, said: “Connecting unauthorised standpipes to our network is an issue we take very seriously.

“It creates a potential risk to water quality, which could result in public health issues and damage to our infrastructure. It can also interfere with our customers’ supplies or fire service activities. We monitor the use of our network closely and will take action against anyone who is detected making unauthorised use of a standpipe.”

Only authorised standpipes can be connected to South West Water’s infrastructure at approved locations and unauthorised use could result in a fine of up to £3,000 for each incident.

To help all customers, including charities and community organisations, South West Water has set up a special standpipe hire service with Aquam Water Services Ltd.